Protein productivity and extractability of legume and grass species during spring growth

摘要

Legume and grass crops are potential alternative protein sources to substitute the high levels of importation of soybean meal for animal production. The quantities of crude protein fractions were estimated in legumes, namely white clover {Trifolium repens L.), red clover (Trifoliumprateme L.) and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and grass species, namely perennial ryegrass {Lolittm perenne L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.) across six harvest dates during spring growth, using the Cornell net carbohydrate and prorcin system. Ific production of crude protein fractions was strongly affected by species. Red clover showed the highest B3 fraction productivity and true protein extractability across the harvest dates compared with other species. Whiteclover and red clover demonstrated higher production of B2 fraction in early growth compared with other species.